- Home
- Grow
- Government Contracting
- Federal Impact Business Support
Resources for Businesses Impacted by Federal Funding Changes or Loss of Federal Contracting
Recent federal government moves to reduce or suspend federal contracts may have a major impact on businesses in Frederick, Maryland—particularly due to Frederick’s close ties to Washington, D.C. and our sizable community of federal employees and contractors.
When federal contracts are paused and/or terminated, or when revenue is too heavily tied to government clients, there are some available resources that may help your business diversify, stabilize, and grow. *
For companies impacted by federal contract losses, consider the following resources:
- The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development
Provides retention & expansion team assistance. - Frederick County Office of Economic Development
Offers local retention support in conjunction with City DED. - Maryland Department of Commerce
Provides retention & expansion team assistance.
- Maryland Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
Free advising for business plans, market diversification, and financial projections. - SCORE Maryland
Free mentoring and workshops. - Maryland Women’s Business Center
Free mentoring and workshops.
- Maryland APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC)
Help with subcontracting, teaming, capability statements, and new agency contracts. - SBA Contracting Programs
HUBZone, 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB certifications & procurement support.
- Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI)
Business incubator and accelerator. - TEDCO
Seed funding, investment, and commercialization support. - Maryland Tech Council & Local Chambers (see our Partner Directory)
Networking & commercialization. - Pitch Competitions
e.g., S.H.E. Pitch, BioHealth Capital Region, M&T Business Accelerator.
- Maryland Dept. of Labor
Incumbent worker training, apprenticeship, wage subsidies. - Local Workforce Boards & Job Centers such as Frederick County Workforce Services
Retraining and hiring support.
- Maryland Dept. of Commerce – Financing Programs
MEDAAF, MSBDFA, and Advantage Maryland provide loans, guarantees, and working capital. - Maryland SSBCI (via DHCD)
Credit enhancements and capital through partner lenders. - Community Lenders (CDFIs)
Harbor Bank of Maryland, FSC First, TEDCO Loan Programs. - SBA Funding Programs
SBA 7(a), 504, and CAPLines for refinancing, asset purchases, or working capital. - Alternative Financing Channels
Explore additional lending options.
Note: During a government shutdown, the Small Business Administration (SBA) significantly limits its operations, which can affect Maryland small businesses and entrepreneurs hoping to access loans and other federal assistance. While loan application processing is halted, certain existing loans and SBA partner programs may continue.
First Steps
Initial steps to take if you find yourself affected by changes in federal funding or contracts.
- Contact your City of Frederick Economic Development Office for retention resources.
- Schedule a strategy session with your regional representative with the Maryland SBDC.
- Engage a CDFI or SBA lender about lines of credit/refinancing.
- Explore TEDCO/Commerce programs if pivoting to new industries
- Meet with Maryland APEX Accelerator for contracting options.
Related Articles for Further Reading
The following list of outside articles has been compiled by our team for your convenience to jump start further research and should not be construed as official advice or endorsement by the City of Frederick Economic Development Office.
- FedBizAccess: The Shutdown Is Federal, Not Final: How Contractors Can Pivot to SLED and Keep Winning
Article on pivoting to State, Local, and Educational contracts. - FAMR: SLED Government Contracting 101: What To Know | FAMR
Becoming familiar with SLED contracting.
Additional questions? Reach out to our Economic Development Team by calling 301-600-6360 or emailing businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov
*Disclaimer: This resource page has been compiled for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace consultation with your legal, financial, or business advisor.